Best Essential Dry Fruits To Your Child Should Consume Daily

Essential Dry Fruits To Your Child Should

Consume Daily

Dry fruits are the best source of vitamins and minerals that make an individual healthy.

Children need to consume at least a few of the dry fruits to be at their best. Unfortunately, the majority of young toddlers prefer snacks and chocolates.

You can still make changes by including the dry fruits in their diet and reap the benefits.

Let us not waste time and see some of the dry fruits that can make a difference.

When and how to introduce dried fruits and nuts to children?

Dried fruits and nuts can be introduced into your child's diet when she is around 7 to 9

months of age. But it should be done in the form of paste or powder to avoid any choking hazards. Dried fruits like dates, prunes and apricots can be cut into smaller pieces before given as snacks for toddlers. Children can be given whole dried fruits and nuts after the age of five years. However, it is still advisable to keep an eye on them to make sure they chew them well.

For children older than five, these make a quick and healthy snack option. Raw, dry- roasted and unsalted nuts are the healthiest, and it is best to avoid nuts and dried fruits with added salt or sugar.

Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that play a crucial role in the development of the brain in children. Consuming walnuts will help your children to get the likes of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. The mentioned minerals are imperative for a growing child.

Almonds

Almonds are filled with essential nutrients in addition to a mineral like phosphorus, which keeps the bones and teeth in great shape. The presence of riboflavin and L- carnitine ensure seamless functioning of the brain. Children who consume almonds tend to stay away from excessive eating as this dry fruit has plenty of dietary fibre which keeps them full.

Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are packed with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are known for their benefits to eyes. Cashew nuts also help children to deal with inflammation while lending a helping hand in weight control. Studies also reveal that cashew nuts can keep some of the cancers at bay.

Apricots

Looking for a dry fruit that can pack a punch? Then consider apricots right away. Apricots come with rich fibre, potassium, copper and niacin along with other essentials that lay a solid foundation health-wise to your child. Apricots also have enough of vitamin A, to take care of eyes.

Pecans

This fiber-packed nut aids in digestion and facilitates regular bowel movements. For children who suffer from constipation, pecans can help relieve the condition. As a good source of vitamin B3, pecans help reduce fatigue in children.

Dates

Dates are right up there when we talk about iron in dry fruits. Encourage children to eat more of dates to ensure they don’t suffer from lack of iron deficiency. Not just that, dates also provide rich minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, sodium, calcium and phosphorus.

Raisins:

Divert your children from artificial sweets and feed them with raisins instead. The antibacterial properties in raisins act as a shield to fight against oral bacteria. They also perform as natural laxatives which is necessary for digestion and good bowel movements.

Pistas:

Pistas are popular for weight loss benefits. They also enhance the gut, eye, and blood vessel health. Pistas include healthy fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants among other great-for- health nutrients that will keep children in great stead.

Dry fruits are natural and gift great health to children. Include them in your child’s daily diet and ensure they consume enough dry fruits. Decent amount of dry fruits consumption is necessary for children to stay healthy and fit. Get to know what they like and make them a part of their meals.

Documented BY: K.K.Krishnan

Source: Google